The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday refused to grant bail applications by two businessmen, Ayogu James and Ifeuwa Moses, who were arraigned for allegedly importing 1,570 pump action rifles illegally.
Justice Saliu Saidu ruled that they will remain in prison custody until their trial ends.
The defendants allegedly claimed that the container, which had the ruffles, was full of wash hand basins and water closets.
Prosecuting counsel/director at the Federal Ministry of Justice Mr. Julius Ajakaiye had opposed the applications on the basis that the alleged offence was grave.
Defence counsel Mahmud Mogaji (SAN) and Wale Adesokan (SAN) urged the court to grant their clients bail on liberal terms.
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They disagreed with the prosecution’s contention that the case bordered on national security, saying the defendants would not interfere with the witnesses or jump bail.
But, Ajakaiye urged the court to dismiss the applications for the sake of national security.
Ruling, Justice Saidu held: “Individual liberty cannot be placed above national security.
“The charges against the defendants are serious, with the level of insecurity in the country such as armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism and the rest.
Their trial begins today.
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